Snorkeling in Clearwater: Dolphins, shelling & drinks

Dolphins, shelling grounds and a morning on the water with drinks included

Snorkel the waters around Clearwater and Dunedin aboard the ParrotDise Express II, a smaller boat built for shallow reefs and island hopping, with a live English-speaking guide. The 2.5-hour tour includes dolphin watching in their natural habitat, stops for shelling, and unlimited complimentary beverages: beer, wine, sangria, soda, water and spiced rum punch. You choose one focus at checkout: snorkeling and shelling, dolphin excursion, or sunset dolphin tour.

The experience

What makes this snorkeling work is the boat itself. The ParrotDise Express II is smaller than the fleet's main vessel, which means it navigates into shallow reefs and around islands where the bigger boat can't reach. That access changes what you actually see: the dolphins stay closer to shore here, and the shelling grounds are the kind of protected spots that hold shells instead of open water. You're in the water doing the work, not watching from a deck.

The tour runs 2.5 hours and includes a live guide speaking English. Dolphins appear in their natural habitat along the coastal waters between Clearwater and Dunedin. The exact sightings depend on the day and the season, but the route is built around where they feed. Shelling stops happen at spots the guide knows, and you bring your own gear or rent what you need. Complimentary beverages flow the whole time: beer, wine, sangria, soda, bottled water and the boat's signature spiced rum punch, all unlimited. The tour runs seven days a week, subject to weather and a minimum passenger count.

You pick your focus when you book: snorkeling and shelling as the main event, a dolphin excursion centered on watching them, or a sunset dolphin tour timed for late afternoon and early evening light. Families travel here: infants and small children can ride in a stroller, and the boat suits all fitness levels. Service animals are welcome. Public transportation reaches the departure point.

What’s included

• 2.5-hour snorkeling and shelling tour with a live English-speaking guide.
• unlimited complimentary beverages including beer, wine, sangria, soda, water and spiced rum punch.
• dolphin watching in natural habitat along Clearwater and Dunedin coastal waters.
• access to shelling grounds and shallow reefs the smaller boat can reach.

Options for this experience

3 options

Dolphin ExcursionGuide in English · 11:30

Sunset Dolphin TourGuide in English · 16:00

Snorkeling & ShellingGuide in English · 10:30Lasts 4 hours in total

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:30, 11:30 and 16:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 34

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by ParrotDise Express Boat Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the snorkeling and shelling option if you want to spend most of the tour in the water at protected reefs; pick the dolphin excursion if watching them from the boat is your priority; book the sunset tour if you want the late-afternoon light and the chance to see dolphins feeding as the day ends.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like for snorkeling around Clearwater?

The ParrotDise Express II reaches shallow reefs and protected shelling grounds that larger boats can't access, so you're snorkeling in spots where marine life actually congregates instead of open water. Dolphins hunt in these same coastal shallows, so you may encounter them while you're in the water.

What's included in the price besides the boat ride?

All beverages are complimentary and unlimited: beer, wine, sangria, soda, bottled water and spiced rum punch. A live English-speaking guide leads the tour. Snorkeling and shelling stops are part of the itinerary depending on which option you choose at checkout.

How often do you actually see dolphins on these tours?

Dolphins are wild animals in their natural habitat, so sightings depend on the day, the season and where they're feeding. The boat's route is built around the coastal waters where they hunt between Clearwater and Dunedin, but the operator cannot guarantee an encounter on every departure.